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starring: Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loosdirected by: Fritz Lang
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780780018662
Format: Black & White, NTSC
ISBN: 0780018664
Label: Paramount Pictures
Manufacturer: Paramount Pictures
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: June 13, 2000
Running Time: 111 minutes
Sales Rank: 14238
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: 1931
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Editorial Review:
Description:
Behind every great suspense film lies the shadow of M, a fact-based drama that is the first and, perhaps, the ultimate portrait of a serial killer. Peter Lorre's flawless performance as a psychotic child murderer elicits feelings of both fear and pity. Lorre (Casablanca), in his first starring role, conveys the agony of a man driven by his compulsions, tormented by self-loathing, and hunted by both the criminal underworld and the police. M, director Fritz Lang's (Metropolis) first sound film and personal favorite, skillfully blends innovative camerawork, fine acting, and atmospheric settings. This version includes the often missing final scene and a restored sound track.
Amazon.com essential video:
Peter Lorre made film history with his startling performance as a psychotic murderer of children. Too elusive for the Berlin police, the killer is sought and marked by underworld criminals who are feeling the official fallout for his crimes. This riveting, 1931 German drama by Fritz Lang--an early talkie--unfolds against a breathtakingly expressionistic backdrop of shadows and clutter, an atmosphere of predestination that seems to be closing in on Lorre's terrified villain. M is an important piece of cinema's past along with a number of Lang's early German works, including Metropolis and Spies. (Lang eventually brought his influence directly to the American cinema in such films as Fury, They Clash by Night, and The Big Heat.) M shouldn't be missed. This original 111-minute version is a little different from what most people have seen in theaters. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A "must have" for any serious film collector
Fritz Lang's great 1931 film M is an important film, and for anyone who collects classic films, a necessary addition. Criterion's 2 CD set is simply wonderful, with the complete 110 minute Lang approved version of M on disc 1, and a William Friedkin interview with Fritz Lang made a year before his death, among other goodies on disc 2.
M was Fritz Lang's 1st movie made with sound, although a few sequences were actually silent. This film is one of the last great examples of German Expressionism, ... Read More
Rating: - M is Fritz Lang's Masterpiece
This movie is the perfect example of what Fritz Lang is capable of. His technique is extrodinary.
Purchase Scarlett Street also. It is another fantastic Fritz Lang Film Noir title.
Rating: - Hall of the Mountain King; Lorre Covers Grieg
Of course, Edvard Grieg was the composer of the "Peer Gynt Suite" which included "Hall of the Mountain King". In this film, Peter Lorre's character whistles this little ditty whenever he gets a "Jones" for murder; so much for my title. As far as "M" goes; if you haven't heard, it's an incredibly good film. I could go on and on about its historical significance, its artistic merit or Fritz Lang, but you've all heard that before. All I have to say is that I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes ... Read More
Rating: - Ahead of its time
This is a very interesting film on so many levels, and very well presented by Criterion. The commentary is well-done and stays on topic, and the video is so crisp and clear you can't believe it was filmed in 1931. It's interesting to see just how far ahead German cinema was of its American counterpart at this point in time. Although there is not that much talking in this early German talking picture - Fritz Lang resisted going to sound in the first place - what conversation that does take place is well done ... Read More
Rating: - A Masterpiece!!!
Criterion has done it right again by presenting "M" the classic Fritz Lang masterpiece film in an outstanding 2 disc collection. This edition is worth owning in your film library. I enjoyed the bonuses especially the Fritz Lang interview along with the informative film commentary. This was Lang's first sound film. Let's not forget Peter Lorre's groundbreaking role as Beckert, the child killer. This edition is a must have!!!
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